Diseño de estrategias picking y su evaluación mediante el proceso analítico jerárquico (AHP) en una empresa del sector Agroindustrial

Abstract

This applied research project was carried out in a distribution center located in Yumbo, Valle del Cauca, belonging to the agro-industrial sector, specifically in tea production. The order preparation process presents operational inefficiencies due to a mixed storage scheme and item-by-item picking, which results in long travel distances and extended times during the picking process. The main objective of the study was to design picking strategies that improve order preparation, reducing operation times and travel distances within the distribution center. To achieve this, a diagnosis of the current process and a characterization of the distribution center were conducted, complemented by historical demand analysis. Subsequently, strategies were designed based on logistical criteria, and a multi-criteria evaluation was applied using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most suitable alternative. As a result, five strategies were defined, based on slotting and picking techniques, integrated with ABC classification, demand frequency, type of collection (by order, batching, by zones), and layout zoning. The evaluation identified the most efficient strategy in terms of reducing order preparation times, minimizing operator travel distances, improving order consolidation, streamlining the product retrieval process, and achieving a more effective organization of the storage system. In conclusion, the study’s findings provide practical solutions to improve the picking process in companies within the agro-industrial sector, contributing to more efficient logistics management and better adaptability to real market demand.